Hi. I am Nicole (54) from Scotland

Nicole_Collard

I won't be able to a afford a phone (I have PAYG but only for texts. Can't afford to use it to call anyone, unless I am in dire need). I won't have internet either - as I read all my benefits will stop dead. I only have enough savings for two months rent, but that does not include food, bills etc. In a rural area, how do I find a benefits advisor? Will they do a home visit? I am genuinely terrified. I flit on 13th September. I am moving from my parents house, as I am no longer able to cope with their Parkinson's and Altzhiemer's (late stages) and it's making MY health suffer (have no family here, they are all near Wick, Lyth, and Thurso – where I am going) Parents are no longer fit to sell up and move back beside the family. Hope someone can help Nicole.

Nicole_Collard

I won't be able to a afford a phone (I have PAYG but only for texts. Can't afford to use it to call anyone, unless I am in dire need). I won't have internet either - as I read all my benefits will stop. In a rural area, how do I find a benefits advisor? Will they do a home visit? I am genuinely terrified. I flit on 13th September. I am moving from my parents house, as I am no longer able to cope with their Parkinson's and Altzhiemers (late stages) and it's making MY health suffer (have no family here, they are all near Wick, Lyth, and Thurso – where I am going) They are no longer fit to sell up and move back beside the family. Sorry Only posted half of it.

Nicole_Collard

I am in the support group for ESA (also get DLA - low rate £26 a week) and extremely sick. I am moving house in two weeks, to be closer to my family but it's in a different Local Council (I am moving to Highland LC). I will be paying £495 for a private rental (couldn't get a council house), one bedroom flat - but I am terrified as I have read that I cannot make a new claim for HB - and have to apply for UC (and lose all my benefits) I called DWP and they told me, that as I am in the support group, the transition to UC will be done for me. However online that's not what it says. Online I have read that I have to make a claim for UC - or I will get no fiantial support. I am moving to a (very) rural farming location (my family are farmers). There is no CAB, Job Centre or anything of that nature for miles, and I am not fit to walk (20 mins) to the rural bust stop, which would take me into Wick & Thurso (small towns). Also my medication , makes me dizzy/sleepy, but cannot do without it. I have won about 4 ESA Tribunals. Last one being 2018) I won't be able to a afford a phone (I have PAYG but only for texts. Can't afford to use it to call anyone, unless I am in dire need). I won't have internet either - as I read all my benefits will stop. In a rural area, how do I find a benefits advisor? Will they do a home visit? I am genuinely terrified. I flit on 13th September. I am moving from my parents house, as I am no longer able to cope with their Parkinson's and Altzhiemers (late stages) and it's making MY health suffer (have no family here, they are all near Wick, Lyth, and Thurso – where I am going) They are no longer fit to sell up and move back beside the family. Sorry did it again ( damn medication lol) 3rd time lucky.

poppy123456

You've read incorrectly, your benefits will not stop because you're moving house. As you need to claim for help with any rent then yes you will need to claim Universal Credit. New claims for housing benefit are no longer possible for working age people unless you're living in either supported or temporary housing.

You will not automatically be moved onto UC you will need to claim this yourself once you've moved house.

As you're in the Support Group for ESA then you'll be entitled to the LCWRA element from the start of your claim, you will not need to go through another assessment.

If any part of your ESA is Income Related this will continue for 2 weeks and then stop. Any contributions based you maybe claiming will continue but be deducted in full from any UC entitlement.

As you'll need to claim for help with the rent and you're privately renting then you'll need to provide proof of liability to pay rent such as a tenancy agreement (or equivalent in Scotland).

If you're under 35 then you'll be entitled to the shared rate of local housing allowance. If 35 and over then you'll be entitled to the 1 bedroom rate. You can see the rates here. https://lha-direct.voa.gov.uk/

If your ESA doesn't include the Severe disability Premium then UC with LCWRA element pays more than ESA Support Group.

Your UC will include standard allowance, LCWRA element and housing element.

Citizens Advice have a help to claim service so they will guide you through the process. Please see this link for information. https://www.cas.org.uk/helptoclaim (as you're in Scotland i put the Scottish link for you)